Gerard Dehner jr.

Gerard “Jerry” Dehner, Jr.
Founder and Managing Partner – Cornovus Capital

Gerard “Jerry” Dehner, Jr. is the Founder and Managing Partner of Cornovus Capital, where he leads the firm’s national business development efforts, including advisory services, commercial real estate and business finance, debt placement, underwriting, and owners’ representation. With 28 years of experience, Jerry has become a trusted advisor to businesses and property owners across a wide range of industries.
Throughout his career, Jerry has built a reputation for delivering tailored financial solutions that help clients achieve their growth, acquisition, refinancing, and repositioning objectives. He has underwritten and structured a substantial number of commercial finance transactions spanning all 50 states. His expertise includes in-depth analysis, financial modeling, and debt structuring for commercial real estate, particularly within the hospitality and multifamily sectors.
Jerry has engaged directly with property owners and operators across the United States, gaining firsthand insights into the financial and operational challenges they face. His ability to combine on-the-ground experience with financial expertise allows him to develop practical, tailored strategies that address the unique needs of clients in diverse markets.
Prior to founding Cornovus Capital, Jerry co-founded Hyde Park Commercial Group, where he played a pivotal role in driving business development and creating innovative financial solutions during challenging market conditions. His leadership during the 2007 economic downturn resulted in the establishment of over 20 regional and national referral centers, significantly expanding origination opportunities in commercial real estate, business finance, and enterprise financing.
In addition to his work with advisory firms, Jerry has held leadership positions within ownership groups, where he has been directly involved in the acquisition, ownership, repositioning, management, operations, and disposition of hospitality and multifamily properties. His extensive experience includes developing and implementing strategies to enhance asset performance, overseeing operational efficiencies, and navigating the complexities of repositioning underperforming assets to maximize their value.
Jerry’s deep involvement in all stages of the asset lifecycle—from acquisition to disposition—has provided him with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities that property owners face. This hands-on experience equips him with the ability to offer clients actionable, realistic advice that is grounded in operational realities and aligned with long-term financial goals. His leadership has proven instrumental in driving growth and achieving successful outcomes across a wide range of commercial real estate projects.
Jerry holds an academic background in business, finance, and real estate studies from the University of Cincinnati and Ashford University. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys spending time with his wife Patty, family, and friends, as well as cooking, fishing, hiking, and exploring destinations near the water.
Jerry’s extensive experience and unwavering commitment to transparency and efficiency make him an invaluable partner to commercial real estate and business owners seeking to navigate complex financial landscapes and achieve their strategic goals.